Windstream's Guest Call Center and Network Monitoring
   Services Will Ensure That Hotel Customers Have Reliable High
    Speed Internet Access in Guest Rooms, Meeting Rooms, Trade
                      Halls and Public Spaces

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., June 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream
(Nasdaq:WIN), a leading provider of advanced network communications,
today announced that John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts has selected the
company to provide 24x7x365 high-speed Internet support services to 44
hotels, in addition to 29 other properties currently being serviced by
Windstream.

John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest private, independent
owner and manager of hotels in the U.S. and operates some of the most
well-known and respected hospitality brands in the industry, including
Marriott, Embassy Suites, and Hilton. In an industry where customer
satisfaction is critical, the hotels must be able to provide guests
with fast and reliable wired and wireless Internet access at all times.
To ensure these capabilities, Windstream supplies hotels with wireless
access points, switches and other networking equipment; monitors that
equipment remotely; takes calls from hotel guests experiencing
difficulty; and troubleshoots any network issues from its Network
Operations Center, staffed 24x7x365.

"Windstream has proven to be a valued partner to our organization, by
providing network monitoring services, upgrading outdated networks, and
effective program management," said Mike Morgan, vice president of
information technology for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. "Because
of their responsiveness and innovative solutions, we are confident they
can service the needs of our company now and into the future."

As part of this agreement, Windstream will provide high-speed Internet
support services for John Q. Hammons limited service and independent
brands. Additionally, Windstream will provide high speed Internet
service in the conference and trade centers at dozens of Embassy Suites
Hotels. In partnership with John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts,
Windstream created a comprehensive conference services program that
includes high-value service capabilities--such as dedicated bandwidth
and on-site event support.

"The Windstream event support services enhance John Q. Hammons' already
strong position in the convention services market," says Ken Apperson,
managing director of Windstream's Hospitality Division. "The technical
requirements for large and small conferences have increased
dramatically over the past few years. Often, hotels lack the technical
expertise to provide what meeting planners are routinely requesting.
With Windstream's conference services, the property management and
staff can be confident that they will maintain very high guest
satisfaction and repeat business in their meeting spaces."

Windstream is a leader in the hospitality industry, providing advanced
technology and personalized service to improve guest satisfaction at
hotels across the country.

"It is an honor to work with such a reputable brand as John Q.
Hammons," said Don Perkins, vice president of Business Marketing for
Windstream. "We are dedicated to providing customized solutions for our
hospitality partners and upholding the high-quality service that is
required to keep their hotel guests happy and remain competitive in
their industry."

Windstream offers a full suite of advanced network communications and
technology solutions, including voice and data services such as VoIP,
SIP trunking, MPLS, and dedicated high-speed Internet. Windstream's
nationwide fiber optic network spans 115,000 route miles across the
country. Windstream also offers managed services, cloud computing,
disaster recovery, and networking services designed to help businesses
increase productivity and improve operational costs. For more
information, visit www.windstreambusiness.com.

About Windstream

Windstream Corp. (Nasdaq:WIN) is a leading provider of advanced network
communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to
businesses nationwide. The company also offers broadband, phone and
digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas. Windstream
has more than $6 billion in annual revenues and is listed on the S&P
500 index. For more information, visit www.windstream.com.

The Windstream Corporation logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7044

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest
private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States,
representing brands such as: Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa &
Convention Center; Courtyard by Marriott; Embassy Suites Hotels;
Hampton Inn & Suites; Hilton; Holiday Inn; Homewood Suites by Hilton;
Marriott; Plaza Hotels Collection; Radisson; Renaissance; Residence Inn
by Marriott; and Sheraton. With a portfolio of 78 hotels representing
nearly 19,000 guest rooms/suites in 24 states, John Q. Hammons Hotels &
Resorts' properties are dominant in their markets. Founded on the
extraordinary vision of John Q. Hammons and built on his legacy of
excellence spanning more than 50 years, John Q. Hammons Hotels &
Resorts has become one of the most recognized and award-winning
companies in the hospitality industry. Built to be the best, John Q.
Hammons Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard in hospitality
management and hotel development. For more information about John Q.
Hammons Hotels & Resorts, visit the company's website at
www.jqhhotels.com or www.facebook.com/jqhhotelsresorts.


CONTACT: Windstream Contact:
         Alice Hartnett
         704-845-7381
         alice.hartnett@windstream.com